About the Chapter: Most responses to chapter 4 highlighted the focus of pre-service teachers and the need for technological training and modeling during the undergrad process. How a teacher learns to use technology will determine how and if that teacher develops their technology with pedagogical knowledge and practices. This was discussed further when responses were made regarding the two teacher stories in chapter 4. The stories followed two teachers and how their individual backgrounds affected how they used technology and the results of those differences on their students’ learning.
Memorable Quote:"TPCK is an attempt to draw students’ attention to the interconnectedness of the subject” (Sue).
Things to Consider: While most responses stressed that technology integration enhances curriculum, instruction, and student learning, there were concerns expressed about more teachers possibly considering integration if the entire process weren’t so time consuming. Educators are faced with a full plate and do not always have adequate time for professional development or appropriate classroom time with their students. Specifically, content-centered technology training is either lacking or non-existent in most schools.
Memorable Quote/Food For Thought:"Time is of essence in my classroom, I see them once a week. I need to be mindful of time" (Leigh).
Personal Connections: The responses all seemed to touch on the issue of learning new technology and pedagogy often being accompanied by feelings of stress and resistance. However, it was mentioned that when staff was witnessed struggling with change, the result was growth in their profession. The success of technology was indeed recognized and pointed out in various areas, including students with special needs. Many responses mentioned a desire to integrate more technology into curriculum and a willingness to take time for it.
Memorable Quote:“We must see ourselves as students and create a supportive, dynamic learning environment, for ourselves” (Sue).
Resources:
Pre-K*
Pre-Kinders - The purpose of this site is to share free resources with preschool / Pre-K teachers. You will find lots of teaching ideas and free printables. Kindergarten teachers may also find many things they can use and adapt.
Pre-K pages -Provides activities for a variety of subject areas as well as assessments, printables, teaching tips and technology. The technology section includes suggestions for using an ipod, flip video camera, interactive whiteboards, etc. Each page contains a video displaying how the technology is used.
Hubbard's Cupboard -A website for early childhood educators and parents. Activities and lessons for a variety of subject areas are available including guidelines for writer's workshop and writer's notebooks.
Elementary
Writing A-Z - Writing A-Z is a teacher resource that includes lesson plans, graphic organizers, writing samples, revision checklists and rubrics. The lessons address five main writing genres and four developmental levels. There is a fee for licenses ranging from $24.95 to $29.95 per classroom.
Carl's Corner - This website was created to provide resources and materials for classroom teachers, reading and resource specialists, speech therapists, parents and students in the area of language arts. .
Middle School*
The Exquisite Corpse -TheExquisite Corpse Adventure educational resource center includes an explanation and history of the story, guidance on creating progressive stories, activities for developing understanding story elements.
High School-*
Grammar Girl - Grammar Girl is a popular grammar podcast that's perfect for play in a middle school or high school classroom. Each (short) episode provides memory tricks to help writers recall grammar rules
Shmoop - Shmoop was created to make literature and poetry more fun for students. The site offers many different resources for educators, including easy-to-read study guides and a book club.
Across All Grade Levels*
ReadWriteThink - ReadWriteThink offers high quality, standards-based lessons for reading and language arts teachers. Lessons are available for grades K-12.
Web English Teacher - Web English Teacher is a great online resource for English teachers. Site features include free grammar, literature, and writing resources. This site presents K-12 English Language Arts teaching resources: lesson plans, videos, e-texts, technology integration, criticism, and classroom activities.
Scholastic - A great teacher resource with extensive offerings. Professional development and collaboration opportunities are offered. Lesson plans, book lists, videos, student activities on the web and interactive whiteboard activities are accessible on the website.
OneStopEnglish - OneStopEnglish is a teacher's resource from Macmillan Education Group. The site offers free lesson plans, worksheets, flashcards, and other materials for teaching English.
English Maven - Free online English lessons with a large variety of resources focusing on skill building. Can be used in grades K-12, GED preparation and English as a Second Language programs. This site is affliated with other online resources: Read Theory and English for Everyone.
Adults
BBC Skillwise -BBC Skillswise is a free-to-access website for adult numeracy and literacy tutors and students, with printable worksheets and factsheets and online games, videos and quizzes that can be used in class or by students at home
Most responses to chapter 4 highlighted the focus of pre-service teachers and the need for technological training and modeling during the undergrad process. How a teacher learns to use technology will determine how and if that teacher develops their technology with pedagogical knowledge and practices. This was discussed further when responses were made regarding the two teacher stories in chapter 4. The stories followed two teachers and how their individual backgrounds affected how they used technology and the results of those differences on their students’ learning.
Things to Consider:
While most responses stressed that technology integration enhances curriculum, instruction, and student learning, there were concerns expressed about more teachers possibly considering integration if the entire process weren’t so time consuming. Educators are faced with a full plate and do not always have adequate time for professional development or appropriate classroom time with their students. Specifically, content-centered technology training is either lacking or non-existent in most schools.
Personal Connections:
The responses all seemed to touch on the issue of learning new technology and pedagogy often being accompanied by feelings of stress and resistance. However, it was mentioned that when staff was witnessed struggling with change, the result was growth in their profession. The success of technology was indeed recognized and pointed out in various areas, including students with special needs. Many responses mentioned a desire to integrate more technology into curriculum and a willingness to take time for it.
Resources:
Pre-K*
Elementary
.
Middle School*
High School-*
- Grammar Girl - Grammar Girl is a popular grammar podcast that's perfect for play in a middle school or high school classroom. Each (short) episode provides memory tricks to help writers recall grammar rules
- Shmoop - Shmoop was created to make literature and poetry more fun for students. The site offers many different resources for educators, including easy-to-read study guides and a book club.
Across All Grade Levels*Adults